Industrial disease: What is it?

As stated by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, all employers are legally required to ensure that the working environment will not put the health of employees at risk. Unfortunately, this legislation is not always followed which can result in injuries at work. 

If you have been diagnosed with an industrial disease as a result of your employers’ negligence, we at Wafer Philips have the expertise to seek compensation on your behalf. Our industrial disease specialists are happy to support and advise you throughout the process and claim compensation to cover the impact it has had on your life.

What is an industrial disease?

Industrial disease is a term used to describe an illness or injuries that can arise or be caused as the result of unsafe working practices or exposure to certain substances in the workplace. If an employer has failed in their lawful duty to keep your safe from harm, it is often possible to make an industrial disease claim whether the company is still trading or not. 

There are a range of illnesses and injuries that are valid in industrial disease No Win No Fee compensation claims, some of the most common are detailed below.

• Mesothelioma and Asbestos Related Diseases- This can include a range of lung conditions that are caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos which include mesothelioma, asbestosis and asbestos related lung cancer.

• Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)- This is a collective term for a range of conditions that include Vibration White Finger and Carpal Tunnel. 

• Hearing Loss- Temporary or Permanent Deafness, hearing loss and tinnitus can all be caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises in the workplace without the proper protective equipment.

• Skin Conditions- Frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace can result in several skin conditions such as dermatitis and more.

• Repetitive Strain Injury- This condition can be caused by repetitive movements over a prolonged period that can cause pain and damage to the muscles and nerves. 

• Occupational cancers- Some cancers such as lung, skin, bladder and nasal can arise as direct result of carcinogenic chemicals and dust in the workplace.

• Occupational Asthma and Lung Disease- Prolonged exposure to dust and toxic fumes can result in a range of lung conditions such as asthma, lung cancer and more. 

The Effect of Industrial Diseases

In the majority of cases, industrial disease could have been prevented in employees were provided with suitable protective equipment and had more appropriate health and safety measures in place. Individuals who are now suffering with a disease, illness or injury that they know could have been easily avoided can feel overwhelmingly frustrated, upset and angry. Many of these illnesses will have long term consequences and the prospect of such can make those affected feel depressed, anxious and severely stressed. 

At Wafer Philips, we understand that the effect of industrial disease is much more than just physical and can have a profound emotional, psychological and financial impact over time. It can be difficult for individuals to come to terms with what has happened if they are on good terms with their employer or simply believe that it is a prerequisite of the job, but it is important to recognise the impact it has had. 

Not only can making a claim help to compensate the individual but it can help to protect current and future employees from experiencing the same pain. Health and safety procedures can be reassessed and implemented to ensure all employees are protected.

Do I require a specialist industrial disease compensation lawyer to make a claim?

Industrial disease claims are a very specialised area of law which is why to ensure you have the best chance of being successful with your claim, you should deal with solicitors who are experienced in this area. Our team of specialist industrial disease solicitors take every claim seriously and will be compassionate and understanding throughout to ensure every client receives their rightful treatment and compensation.